Haaretz: UC study sheds light on environmental collapse
UC researchers found mercury in ancient Maya water reservoirs
Haaretz and other international news media examined a study by University of Cincinnati researchers on water pollution in ancient Maya reservoirs in northern Guatemala.
The Israeli daily newspaper suggested UC's research could inform modern threats from human-caused pollution.
"Today, we have technology and forecasting abilities, yet mega-cities around the world are running out of fresh water – from Cape Town in South Africa to Chennai and Bangalore in India," Haaretz wrote. "Have we taken sustainable measures that will provide a fresh water supply? We have not."
UC's study, published in the Nature journal Scientific Reports, found evidence of water pollution from mercury and cyanobacteria in four central reservoirs in the ancient Maya city of Tikal shortly before the city's population dramatically declined.
"The final demise of Tikal was a complex tapestry of interwoven calamities," UC's researchers wrote in their study.
Featured image at top: The ancient city of Tikal in northern Guatemala. Photo/Jimmy Baum/Unsplash
More UC research in the news
Yahoo! News: Mystery of Maya city might now be solved
Archaeology News Network: Ancient Maya Reservoirs Contained Toxic Pollution
Ancient Origins: The ancient Maya poisoned Tikal's drinking water
Explica: We already know why this Maya city was deserted and it's a dark warning for our future
Heritage Daily: Ancient Maya Reservoirs Were Contaminated with Toxic Mercury
El Ágora (Spain): Droughts and water contamination led to depopulation of Tikal
Scientas (Netherlands): Heavily Polluted Water Reservoirs Discovered in Tikal
Related Stories
UC offers experiential learning abroad in Central America
April 19, 2024
In the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, fourth year journalism and international affairs student Stephanie Rivera embarked on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion. Leaving behind the familiar sights and sounds of Cincinnati, Rivera set out to study abroad for a transformative semester in this Central American country, rich with vibrant biodiversity and cultural heritage. The College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) at UC places great emphasis on encouraging study abroad and experiential learning opportunities for its students. Recognizing the transformative power of global experiences, the college supports a variety of study-abroad programs that enable students to enhance their academic pursuits while gaining valuable cultural and personal experiences.
Media coverage and word of mouth extends DAAP art exhibit to...
April 19, 2024
Due to popular draw, the art exhibit "Rediscovering Catharina van Hemessen’s Scourging of Christ: Women Artists, Patrons, and Rulers in Renaissance Europe" has been extended at the DAAP Library through April 30.
Alabama.com: How a new self-test for HPV could be a game changer
April 19, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's Leeya Pinder was featured in an Alabama.com/Reckon article about how self-testing for HPV could make preventative care more accessible to those facing the most barriers.